In recent months, 15 Dyffryn Clwyd residents have benefited and enjoyed mathematical sessions thanks to a project called ‘Lluosi’ created by Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych, the Welsh language enterprise.
The aim of the project was to ‘multiply’ (lit transl. Lluosi) people’s ability and numeracy skills, by providing six workshop sessions plus a taster that offered mathematical skills to develop the adults’ confidence, in a fun, practical and digital way through the medium of Welsh.
Experts in the field, tutors, Ifor Jones from Denbigh and Bethan Cartwright from Lansannan, succesfully offered practical workshops offering strong elements of collaboration, socialising and gaining the confidence of individuals to challenge their own ability in numeracy and mathematical skills.
Ruth Williams, chief officer at Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych said: “It was a challenge to create a practical workshop that would dispel the stereotype many of us have as a result of negative experiences of learning maths at school, years ago.
Raise confidence
“For others, raising their confidence in the workplace was the motivation to join. And as we collaborated with experienced experts, we succeeded in creating interesting modules that stimulated interest, drew from the history and culture of the area and offered an insight into mathematical vocabulary in Welsh, new to most.”
‘Lluosi’ was funded thanks to the support of the UK Government, Denbighshire County Council faciliated by Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council. The sessions were held in the evenings and during the day, giving attendees the best opportunity to attend, at Hwb Dinbych.
Attendees
Elin, 30 from Llansannan shared her experience: “I’ve learned a lot. It’s completely different to anything I’ve done before. I didn’t know what to expect. The sessions have made me think about mathematics in a different way. We have been creating and measuring things and I designed the shape of my own head out of paper, learnt about the length and width of my body by creating an outline of my arm and taking a photograph of myself to measure my height. Plus I’ve learnt how to use the ipad and measure things electronically. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it!”
Eleri from Denbigh, has also benefited from the sessions: “It’s been a lot of fun! And I’m delighted to have met new people and enjoyed the socialising too. It has raised my confidence and my maths skills. It’s also made me realise how much things have changed since I was at school!”
For Iona from Denbigh who enjoys a number of courses and handicraft sessions: “The sessions have been great! It has shown me how to use technology and how to count and measure digitally, that’s been an eye opener, as I’ve never used an ipad before. The maths work has been incredibly interesting, and I’ve had to learn to measure in centimeters instead of inches! I didn’t enjoy maths at school but this has been inspiring and I’ve really enjoyed the experience.”
Ruth Williams from Menter Iaith concluded: “Thanks to this scheme, we have succeeded in creating a special resource that will be of use to us again in the future. Without a doubt, the work has been beneficial and advantageous for the attendees in improving skills, sharing experience, socialising and all done using the Welsh language. Thanks to everyone for the support.”
For further information regarding Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych’s work, please contact menter@misirddinbych.cymru call 01745 812822, or follow us on Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych facebook page.